Once a pivotal player in West Africa, Côte d’Ivoire is having to confront emerging challenges in its neighbourhood, driven by shifts in governance across the hinterland. Over the past year, Burkina Faso’s bilateral relations with its coastal neighbours, including Côte d’Ivoire, have also significantly deteriorated. Thus far, diplomatic tensions between Côte d’Ivoire and the Sahelian governments have yet to have a material impact on trade. For Côte d’Ivoire, deteriorating relations with neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali risks disrupting commercial ties, given both countries are important trade partners. This ideological shift will further complicate diplomatic and security cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and its neighbours.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 01, 2024 14:59 UTC